PhD Scholarship Opportunity – DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) DFG Research Training Group (RTG) 2633 “Autoimmune Pre-Disease” Project: Neutrophil Priming in Autoimmune Pre-Disease

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PhD Scholarship Opportunity – DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) DFG Research Training Group (RTG) 2633 “Autoimmune Pre-Disease” Project: Neutrophil Priming in Autoimmune Pre-Disease

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Offer DescriptionPhD Scholarship Opportunity – DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP)DFG Research Training Group (RTG) 2633 “Autoimmune Pre-Disease”Project: Neutrophil Priming in Autoimmune Pre-DiseaseApplication deadline: 30 September 2025 ǀ Program start: February 2026The DFG Research Training Group (RTG) 2633 “Autoimmune Pre-Disease” at the University of Lübeck invites applications from highly motivated graduates in the life sciences for nomination to a DAAD GSSP stipend.About the RTGAutoimmune diseases pose a significant clinical challenge, affecting 4-5% of the population. Currently, no curative treatments exist, and management often requires lifelong immunosuppression. Therapeutic interventions are typically initiated only after clinical disease becomes apparent. However, autoimmune diseases develop gradually over many years, beginning with the loss of self-tolerance (autoimmunity) and, following as-yet unknown triggers, progressing to clinically overt disease. In contrast to cancer, where screening and treatment of pre-disease stages can prevent progression, routine screening for autoimmune pre-disease remains uncommon due to the absence of definitive biomarkers. The identification of sensitive and specific predictors for future autoimmune disease could enable preventive strategies, such as reducing exposure to environmental triggers or initiating early therapeutic interventions to halt destructive immune processes before symptoms arise.Addressing and targeting autoimmune pre-disease is a central challenge that drives the research focus of the RTG 2633, a multidisciplinary program with expertise spanning basic sciences, including immunology, genetics, biostatistics, bioinformatics, systems medicine, anatomy, nutrition medicine, as well as clinical specialties, such as dermatology, and rheumatology. Our research particularly targets rheumatic diseases as well as autoimmune skin diseases such as pemphigus and pemphigoid disease.More about us:About the DAAD-GSSP ProjectThe DAAD additionally supports the RTG 2633 with the following project, for which we seek a highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in translational immunological research. Experience with experimental disease models will be considered an advantage:Title:Neutrophil Priming in Autoimmune Pre-DiseaseThis project investigates the early activation, migration, and functional networks of neutrophils in autoimmune blistering diseases, with focus on pemphigoid diseases. Using in vitro keratinocyte-neutrophil assays, multi-OMIC profiling, and preclinical models, it aims to identify key pathways and biomarkers involved in neutrophil priming and chemotaxis. The findings will support the development of targeted therapies for early intervention in progression of autoimmune blistering diseases.For more details, contact:Dr. Manuela Pigors ( ) and Prof. Dr. Markus Hoffmann ( ).What the DAAD GSSP stipend offers:

• Monthly stipend: 1,300€ (up to 4 years)
• Structured doctoral training within RTG 2633 with dedicated mentoring
• Travel allowance for conferences
• Insurance contributions (health, accident, liability)
• Research allowance (460€/ year for applicants from DAC-listed countries, 260€/ year for others)
• Possible rent subsidy

Eligibility Criteria (DAAD-GSSP rules)

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) completed before the program start
• No PhD previously completed
• Graduation no more than 6 years before DAAD nomination
• Not residing in Germany for more than 15 months before nomination

The following documents must be submitted in either German or English:

• Curriculum vitae
• Letter of motivation
• Bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates, along with transcripts of records, including grades and an explanation of the grading system used by the home university
• Proof of English language proficiency (If English is not your first language)
• One letter of recommendation from a home university’s professor
• (Optional) Certificates of internships or practical work
• (Optional) List of publications

The University of Lübeck is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged. Preference will be given to candidates with equal qualifications from these groups.Upon successful completion of the program, and depending on the applicant’s initial academic degree, the following doctoral degrees may be awarded: Dr. rer. nat., PhD, or Dr. hum. biol.The program is scheduled to begin in February 2026.We are looking forward to your application. Please email your application to by 30 September 2025.Where to apply E-mail[email protected]RequirementsResearch Field Biological sciences » Biology Education Level Master Degree or equivalentAdditional InformationWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute University of Lübeck Country Germany GeofieldContact CityLübeck WebsiteStreetRatzeburger Allee 160STATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

€1300 per month

Location

Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein

Job date

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 05:48:35 GMT

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